Maintaining an active lifestyle is widely recognized as one of the most effective ways to ensure a healthy body. However, what many may not realize is that staying active goes beyond just physical well-being—it can significantly enhance overall wellness and improve one’s quality of life.
Brandon Long is a marketing entrepreneur who has a strong commitment to driving strategic growth and fostering leadership development. Although originally from Grass Valley, California, he has since relocated to Denver, Colorado, where he currently resides and operates.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Brandon actively advocates for the significance of physical health. As an enthusiastic mountain biker and hiker, he emphasizes the advantages of leading an active lifestyle.
Today, Brandon shares some of his insights regarding the wide-ranging benefits associated with maintaining a consistent and well-rounded physical regimen.
It’s a natural mood lifter
Engaging in regular physical activity offers a multitude of benefits, including the alleviation of stress, anxiety, depression, and even anger in certain instances. After participating in physical exercise, one often experiences a pleasant sensation, akin to a “feel-good” effect. It can be likened to a “happy pill” but without any accompanying side effects. Over time, individuals typically observe an overall improvement in their well-being as physical activity becomes an integral part of their daily routine.
“Studies have shown that people who do regular physical exercise are generally happier than those who live sedentary lifestyles,” says Brandon Long. “That in of itself is a very good motivator to get physical activity in.”
It keeps you fit and able
In the absence of adequate physical activity, the human body gradually experiences a decline in strength, stamina, and overall functional capacity. As the age-old adage wisely implies, “You don’t stop moving because you grow old, you grow old because you stop moving.” Engaging in exercises plays a pivotal role in enhancing muscle strength, subsequently empowering individuals to perform various physical activities with greater ease and proficiency.
“Exercise really can help keep you young,” says Brandon. “In fact, one study from the University of Colorado found that older adults who regularly participated in highly aerobic activities (running in particular) have lower metabolic cost of walking than those who were sedentary.”
It helps keep the doctor away
The old adage of “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” is outdated to say the least. Too much sitting and other sedentary activities can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. The truth is, being sedentary can greatly increase the risk for various avoidable diseases, increasing the risk of mortality thereby.
Being more active can help you:
- Lower your blood pressure
- Boost your levels of good cholesterol
- Improve blood flow (circulation)
- Keep your weight under control
- Prevent bone loss that can lead to osteoporosis
It can help you live longer
While “70 might be the new 60”, this concept only applies if you’re healthy. People who are physically active and at a healthy weight live about seven years longer than those who aren’t active and are overweight. And the important part is that those extra years are generally healthier. Staying active helps delay or prevent chronic illnesses and diseases associated with aging. So, active adults maintain their quality of life and independence longer as they age.
“Mortality and physical health are unfortunately very linked,” says Brandon Long. “As a father, I want to be around for my kids as much as possible for as long as possible. So it makes sense for me to stay active. Not just because it’s fun and it feels good, but because I know I can be there for them.”
The decision is easy. Move more with more intensity and sit a lot less if you can. You don’t have to make major life changes to reap the benefits. Just start building more activity into your day, one step at a time.
“It doesn’t matter how you do it – biking, swimming, walking, running, kickboxing, just get out there and get moving,” says Brandon.
